Automatic animal food dispenser

ABSTRACT

An automatic food dispenser for animals, fish or the like, comprising of a housing, controls, and with a hopper within, for containing food, the base of said hopper having an opening for the food to exit (feed exit), said opening being in close proximity to a dispensing mechanism, said mechanism having a surface, thus creating a sufficient seal to prevent the undesired escape of food from said hopper, said dispensing mechanism having an aperture on it&#39;s surface, whereupon, with the rotation of the dispensing mechanism about it&#39;s axis, and the subsequent alignment of the aperture with opening at the base of the of the hopper, feed may escape from the hopper through said aperture, and hence directly through the open base of the dispensing mechanism, the volume of feed dispensed being a function of the variable speed of rotation, and the number of “to and fro” motions of the dispensing mechanism past the feed exit.

[0001] This invention relates to a dispenser, for automatically feeding animals or fish, and refers to in particular, but not exclusively, to the feeding of dogs and cats. For many people who own pets, going away for a short duration presents problems, because the pet needs to be fed whilst the owner is absent. It was found that the existing art to solve this problem is not entirely satisfactory. Such machines that are commercially available are of a type that are not reliable due to their flimsy structure and size, nor do they apportion from a central food store, and hence are not labour saving, and so are not of use outside of those times when the owner is away

[0002] This problem is overcome by the current invention, which can securely mount, is substantial physically, and in this embodiment, suitable to mount on a wall. It has digital timing and controls, and will hold a substantial volume of food in a central storage section, from which the desired volume of food will be apportioned and dispensed. This enables the dispenser to be useful even when owners are at home, as it is labour saving.

DESCRIPTION

[0003] The invention is an automatic food dispenser, in this embodiment feeding granular dry food, that can be set by the owner to automatically dispense a predetermined (and owner alterable) volume of food, at a time and location suitable for the owner.

[0004] It is a dispenser that may be kept off the ground, by being attached to a wall (or such appropriate surface), or it may sit within an optional stand if desired, however the shape, size and mounting method of the dispenser is not the essence of the invention.

[0005] The dispenser comprises of a hopper in the upper part, electronics with a control panel, and a dispense mechanism (and related components) positioned under the hopper (in this embodiment) so as to be able to be in contact with the feed exit, or plurality of feed exits, of the hopper. The dispensing mechanism approximates a semi tube, similar to a horse shoe shape in section, of a length to suite the hopper and hopper feed exit, said dispensing mechanism rotating about a horizontal axis, driven directly or indirectly by a motor, positioned at the base of a hopper (which will contain the food), where the semi tube's surface seals the feed exit of the hopper. The semi tube will have an aperture in it's surface, for the food to escape through, when said aperture is aligned with the hopper's base. Note that the sealing function of the surface of the semi tube can be achieved also by a flat surface, being rotated about a vertical axis, and may also have an aperture or apertures to allow feed to escape, when aligned. However the inventor feels that the semi tube provides the best method, and so is used in this embodiment.

[0006] The aperture may be divided into, or be, a number of apertures if this enhances the dispensing of whatever food may be getting dispensed. Hence more than one aperture is possible, but in this embodiment, only one is present on the dispensing mechanism.

[0007] An escape of food will occur when the semi tube is rotated to bring about an alignment of the dispensing mechanism's aperture with the feed exit at the hopper's base. The inventor feels that the best practice is to have the feed exit of the hopper at the bottom of the hopper, because the feed simply exits the hopper by gravity. It may be possible to have a feed exit elsewhere (for example, on the lower part of a side wall) but this would not be as efficient. Also this would bring about a repositioning of the dispensing mechanism, or mechanisms, for example, if the feed exit was on a perpendicular wall, the semi-tube dispense mechanism would now rotate about a vertical axis.

[0008] Therefore, in the disclosed embodiment, with the feed exit at the base of the hopper, the alignment of the semi-tube dispense mechanism's aperture with the feed exit shall occur, when said aperture it is at approximately the apex or 12 o'clock position. As the aperture moves past the feed exit, feed will escape due to the aperture offering no resistance, and it will fall directly through the aperture, and hence directly through the open section (or base) of the semi tube, into the bottom of the machine, where it falls out of the machine through an opening. Said opening may include a means of directing the feed.

[0009] The rotation of the dispense mechanism will continue, so that the aperture is now moved away from the feed exit of the hopper (to approximately a 3 o'clock or 9 o'clock position), thus sealing the feed exit of the hopper again, against the surface of the semi tube. At this time the rotation may stop, or a reverse of that action will permit a repetition of the food portion dispensed. Therefore a “to and fro” action will provide a plurality of portions dispensed. For example, to have two ‘to and fro” movements will result in four portions dispensed, or one and a half motions will result in three portions to be dispensed.

[0010] Additionally, the speed of the dispensing mechanism's rotation can be adjusted and selected by the owner, hence, if a slower motion is selected, more feed will escape resulting in a larger portion (volume) to be dispensed. Therefore the owner may thus select what size portion is desired, and also, as described above, how many of said portions.

[0011] The reliability of operation of this invention, (for example, overcoming the possibility of the dry particles “jamming” the movement of the dispensing mechanism) will be enhanced by the physical contact, or near proximity, between the dispensing mechanism and the feed exit of the hopper, to have a flexible and resiliant interface.

[0012] This can be done by the fitting of a flexible and/or resiliant apron to the base of the hopper's feed exit (eg: a rubber apron). Although the fitting of a flexible and/or resiliant interface to the dispense mechanism's surface may achieve a similar result, the inventor feels the apron on the feed exit is the best practice. The dispenser will have a control panel to allow ease of use by the owner, which will include a timer (eg, digital), for setting dispense times, and enable the owner to see (and set) any programmable parameters, such as, for example, size of, and number of, portions to be dispensed. The dispenser will dispense food according to those settings, plus be able to dispense at the owners will, a volume of food, to test the operation or to provide an interim feed, with the activation of a switch (or switches).

[0013] The dispenser may have digital voice record and playback, so that the owner may leave a message of comfort for the animal (for example, if absent during a feed time).

[0014] The dispenser could provide an indication to the owner of the feed volume within the hopper, for example, via a window on the machine.

[0015] The dispenser may have standby battery backup, in the event of power failure, or to allow the machine to work remotely from mains power. A “battery low” indicator may be included onto the control panel.

[0016] The dispenser will have a degree of self diagnosis, with indication of errors. It may also have sensors to provide safety, such as if the access is open, the moving parts of the dispenser may dis-enable.

[0017] To obtain a clearer understanding of the invention, please refer to the drawings.

[0018] The machine exit opening (c) may require a slide to direct the food into a bowl. The door (i), which provides access into the unit, for loading food and to allow access for cleaning the inside of the hopper.

[0019] The dispensing mechanism (b) is approximately a semi tube shape, being motor (o) actuated, directly or indirectly, but it may also be other electro-mechanical means, for example: such as solenoid or linear actuator. Feed stores in hopper (a), exiting from the hopper's feed exit (d).When aperture (t) is aligned to (d), feed exits via (t) from the semi tube directly via it's open base (k). The timer on the control panel (g&h) is set by the owner.

[0020] The dispay of timer (h) will display time, and may show settings, as well as the size and number of portions. However, separate displays may be used.

[0021] The control panel (g) will contain the necessary switch inputs and electronics to enable the owner to control the machine as required and it may, as an option, record and play back a digital voice recording at feed time.

[0022] Although the timer shall determine when feeds occur, the control panel shall have the ability to input for providing an interim feed, or to test operation.

[0023] The control panel's printed circuit board (h) is the main control/interface for the functions of, and the interconnections between, the component parts of the machine. The machine is powered by electricity, and may be powered by either or both AC or DC power, supplied from mains or generated connection, or by the use and connection of a suitable electric battery (e). The battery (e) will also act as a backup battery in the event of power failure. The body of the machine (r) may be made from a number of different materials, for example, metal or plastic. It may have mounting lugs positioned (m) to facilitate mounting onto a wall (in the embodiment shown in the drawing) or some other appropriate mounting surface, or, alternatively, it may be furnished with a suitable mounting stand, which may assist with portability.

[0024] The machine has means of indication of feed level in the hopper, in this embodiment by window (w). Panel (f) may remove to give access to moving parts and battery. Flexible apron at the exit of the hopper is shown (v).

PRIOR ART FOUND

[0025] Prior art found that may reference to this invention are as follows;

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,152 James Meyer Feb. 24, 1984.

[0027] This discloses a mechanical device utilising a drum, that is filled by a hopper above, and a variable volume of feed can be dispensed into the drum, and dispensed from this drum, by manually rotating same. The amount of manual rotation will vary the amount dispensed. (My invention does not fill a drum, is automatic, and electrical, controlled by electronics. My invention dispenses a predetermined volume, by selecting size of portion ((by speed of dispense mechanism) and precise ‘to and fro” motions.

[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,364 John Hessenauer Jun. 12, 1990

[0029] This discloses a longitudinal cylinder of two longitudinal compartments, one which fills, whilst the other empties itself of it's contents. The flexible strip is on one side only. (My invention does not use a cylinder, and does not capture feed and release. It uses variable speed, and a “to & fro” action).

[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,221 Oscar Arvizu Apr. 21, 1980.

[0031] This discloses what is two longitudinal compartments (not in an enveloping tube), similar to U.S. 4,993,364. (my comments per above, lines 151-154).

[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,300 Victor Mezhinsky Jul. 20, 1992.

[0033] This discloses a machine where, like a paddle wheel, the vanes on the shaft are the means of capturing and “moving” the food from the hopper.

[0034] WO 01/22808 CHOI, Chui,Soo Apr. 5, 2001

[0035] Discloses a cylinder where feed fills a hollow, that is held, to be subsequently dumped upon further 360 degree rotation(s).

[0036] U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,455 Steven Christionsen Dec. 17, 1990

[0037] This discloses an endless belt (conveyor belt).

[0038] U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,409 Ralph Walker Dec 27, 1983

[0039] Discloses a rotary table which contains the food.

[0040] U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,373 Gary Grossman Oct. 2, 1973

[0041] Discloses a pair of circular rotary discs,clamped together, and working together, to dispense.

[0042] U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,944 Jeng;Jieh-Chin Aug. 25, 1992

[0043] Discloses four rotating tubes

[0044] GLOSSARY: “Dry” pet food is usually obtained in sealed bags or boxes, as small particles (kibble), or may be larger, in the form of biscuits It is sometimes referred to as semi-moist. Broadly, it is food that does not require refrigeration to prevent putrefaction. It is food that is not considered “wet”, ie, food of a high moisture content (eg: canned meat variety), which is usually kept refrigerated after the packaging is opened, to prevent putrefaction. 

1. An automatic food dispenser for animals, fish or the like, comprising of a housing, controls and with a hopper within, for containing food, the base of said hopper having an opening, (or openings), for the food to exit (feed exit), said opening being in close proximity to a dispensing mechanism, said mechanism having a surface, thus creating a sufficient seal to prevent the undesired escape of food from said hopper, said dispensing mechanism having an aperture on it's surface, whereupon, with the rotation of the dispensing mechanism about it's axis, and the subsequent alignment of the aperture with the feed exit, feed may escape from the hopper through said aperture, and hence directly through the open base of the dispensing mechanism.
 2. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the dispensing mechanism providing a surface to act as a sufficient seal at the hopper's feed exit to prevent the escape of feed, and an aperture to interrupt such sealing as said aperture aligns with the feed exit.
 3. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one and two, further characterised by the dispense mechanism being approximately a semi tube shape, which rotates about a horizontal, or it's longitudinal, axis.
 4. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one and two, further characterised by the dispense mechanism being approximately a semi tube shape, which rotates about a vertical, or it's longitudinal, axis.
 5. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one and two, further characterised by the dispense mechanism being an essentially flat surface, rotating about a vertical, or it's perpendicular, axis, moving said surface in an arc across the feed exit opening.
 6. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one and two, further characterised by the dispense mechanism being an essentially flat surface, rotating about a horizontal, or it's perpendicular, axis, moving said surface in an arc across the feed exit opening.
 7. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the dispensing mechanism being able to provide a plurality of volumes of feed dispensed, by virtue of it's speed of rotation being alterable and/or selectable.
 8. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the dispensing mechanism being able to dispense a plurality of feed volumes, or portions, through virtue of it's ability to perform a number of “to and fro” rotational motions about that point of alignment (with the feed exit) position, thus bringing about the situation where the aperture of the dispensing mechanism passes the feed exit, to once again seal, with each “to and fro” motion.
 9. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the said aperture being of a size and shape to best provide a most desirable result of dispensing whatever food may be contained in the hopper, which will include the possibility of the said aperture being divided into, or arranged as, a number of apertures.
 10. An automatic food dispenser as per claim 1, further characterised by the dispense mechanism being replacable with another.
 11. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the provision of an apron to the mouth of the feed exit, for the purpose of providing a physical interface between said feed exit and the dispensing mechanism that will negate, or reduce, the likelihood of them being jammed by the particles of food.
 12. An automatic food dispenser as per claim 11, further characterised by the said apron being flexible and/or resiliant.
 13. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by said dispensing mechanism being rotated directly or indirectly by electrical or mechanical means.
 14. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the housing also having a control panel for the owner's use, enabling the owner to view, set and/or control the dispense times, the volume and number of said dispenses, and the correct functioning of the machine or otherwise.
 15. An automatic food dispenser as per claim 1 and 14, further characterised by the said control panel having the ability to allow the owner to activate a dispense action at any time, for the purpose of testing the operation of the machine, or to provide an interim feed to the animal.
 16. An automatic food dispenser as per claim 1 and 14, further characterised by the said control panel having the ability for the owner to record voice, and to have it play it back as required, for example, at dispense time.
 17. An automatic food dispenser as per claim one, further characterised by the dispenser having battery back-up, for the purpose of maintaining the electronic settings, and to keep the machine operable in the event of power interruption or disconnection. 